Our Board of Trustees are experienced men and women from various backgrounds. They are responsible for the governance of Hertfordshire Mind Network and offer their time to the charity on a voluntary basis. They appoint a CEO to manage the day-to-day activities of the organisation, who reports to them at meetings at least four times per year.

CHAIR (joint): Fran Deschampsneufs

Fran joined us as a volunteer befriender (now known as a peer mentor), whilst working as the Director of a printing company.

Fran has lived in Hertfordshire for more than 40 years and has served many local charities and organisations, including the Samaritans of South West Herts, where she was Chair of the Board for three years. She continues to work at The Mount Prison in Bovingdon, where she trains prisoners as listeners.

Fran is an Appointed Governor for the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and is a member of Mind's national leadership training steering group.

CHAIR (joint): Jess Lievesley

Jess originally trained as a nurse in 1996 and has worked in, or as a commissioner of mental health services ever since.  As a lifelong carer himself, Jess is passionate about co-production and the value of lived experience and has always strived to improve outcomes for service users and their families. 

Jess is currently the Deputy Chief Executive of a large Mental Health & Learning Disability Charity offering services across the midlands and south east of England.

TRUSTEE: Mark Craigen

Mark has held various senior Finance roles in a number of industries having started his career at Deloitte, one of the "Big 4" advisory firms.  Mark brings this wealth of experience to the Board. Mark currently works as the Finance Director of a division of an AIM listed group.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. In his spare time Mark enjoys open water swimming and cycling (but not running, otherwise he’d be a triathlete!).

THERAPEUTIC LEAD: Erika L. Paula

Erika has a background in international business, psychology and psychotherapy. Erika has a proven track record in delivering change and transformation in large public sector organisations, with expertise in integrated governance, business and commercial areas.

Erika works for the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust at the Medical Director's Office as a Senior Operations Manager - CQUIN's Programmes. 

Erika is interested in meditation, ancient philosophy, travelling and experiencing new cultures.

MENTAL HEALTH LEAD: Siobhan Nundram

Siobhan trained as a mental health nurse originally, working as a staff nurse, Ward Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist before moving into Health Service Management roles. She has a MA health service management and is widely experienced across a diverse range of roles and new initiatives.

Siobhan has been a board member with HMN for the past 7 years and leads on safeguarding for the organisation.

With a special interest in people experiencing severe and enduring mental health issues, personality disorders and survivors of abuse, Siobhan feels it is her pleasure and privilege to be part of the HMN team and is passionate about reducing suicide and improving people’s quality of life.

TREASURER: Elena Lokteva 

Elena is a Managing Partner at Strategic Initiatives, a corporate finance advisory boutique. She has worked in the private equity industry for 25 years as a GP, an LP and an M&A advisor. In 2009, Elena co-founded SI Capital Partners, midmarket private equity firm which invests in start-ups and turnarounds and seeks opportunities in complex, challenging environments.

Elena is an accomplished CFO and operating partner with global experience in retail, distribution and manufacturing, she led the establishment and turnaround of entities in Northern and Eastern Europe and managed acquisitions and exits in EMENA.

Elena has 19 years of board level experience in executive, and non-executive capacities in private equity backed companies and non-profit organizations. Her current non-executive portfolio includes Delta Motor Group Oy (Finland), TMA Europe (UK), Hertfordshire Mind Network (UK) and ReVision (UK).

Elena is CPA (US), CIMA MA (UK), MA Economics and Audit and MSc Biotechnology.

PSYCHIATRIC LEAD: Dr Omar Daniels

Omar joined the Board in 2014. His understanding of mental health and mental illness is vast, having worked as a doctor for 40 years, including more than three decades as a Consultant Psychiatrist with the National Health Service.

Since retiring in 2012 Omar now volunteers his many years of professional experience and understanding to HMN, which is of profound importance to our service planning and delivery. Omar holds degrees in Medicine (MBBCh and DPM). After graduating as a doctor Omar trained in Psychiatry.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

TRUSTEE: Will Lewis

Will's background is in technology and software development, having spent 10+ years working in various environments ranging from FTSE 100 to startup companies. He currently leads multidisciplinary teams as Head of Engineering at Attest, a high-growth company in the market research industry.

With a passion for mental health and giving back to the community, Will is keen to give his experience to the board and support our organisation in any way he can.

In his spare time, Will enjoys running, astronomy, playing the piano and cooking good food.

TRUSTEE: Helena Marks-Dwyer

Helena has an extensive background in the public sector including housing and education.  Helena is a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Adviser with significant experience of working with families and young people.

Helena is skilled at building positive relationships, enabling inclusion, participation and empowerment, influencing, peer mentoring and modelling effective communication in addition to extensive experience in disagreement resolution and mediation.

Helena has strategic operational leadership and service development skills.

Helena is currently a freelance adviser and trainer, disability consultant and project lead supporting learners looking to return to work or training

Additionally Helena is involved in programmes supporting health and wellbeing through nature and horticulture.

Helena is a keen gardener, enjoys craft activities and travelling in addition to singing and spending time with the family.  Other interests include Qigong, Mindfulness and Indian Head Massage.

BSc (Hons) Psychology; Masters in Early Education